Battling the blaze

Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times

Fire retardant is dropped as firefighters continue battling a 3,500-acre brush fire in Kern County. Air quality officials issued a smoke advisory for Los Angeles County areas. "All individuals are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities in any area directly impacted by smoke," the South Coast Air Quality Management District said in a statement.

Fire retardant is dropped as firefighters continue battling a 3,500-acre brush fire in Kern County. Air quality officials issued a smoke advisory for Los Angeles County areas. "All individuals are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities in any area directly impacted by smoke," the South Coast Air Quality Management District said in a statement. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Fire retardant is dropped as firefighters continue battling a 3,500-acre brush fire in Kern County. Air quality officials issued a smoke advisory for Los Angeles County areas. "All individuals are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities in any area directly impacted by smoke," the South Coast Air Quality Management District said in a statement.